Adult naked mole-rat brain retains the NMDA receptor subunit GluN2D associated with hypoxia tolerance in neonatal mammals

► Brain tissue of naked mole-rats shows extraordinary hypoxia tolerance. ► We assessed NMDA receptor composition in neonate and adult naked mole-rats and mice. ► Naked mole-rats retain more of the neonatal subunit, GluN2D into adulthood. ► GluN2D is protective during hypoxia. ► This is consistent with other features suggesting slowed or arrested maturation.